Things To Do
in Yiwu
Yiwu is a bustling county-level city in central Zhejiang province best known as the world’s largest small-commodities wholesale market and a major hub for global sourcing. Beyond trade halls, Yiwu has a mix of modern urban neighborhoods, parks and pockets of old streets that reflect local Zhejiang culture. The city is convenient to travel to by plane and high-speed rail, making it a common stop for business visitors and short-term tourists.
Yiwu’s pace is practical and commerce-focused, but there are pleasant local foods, parks and nearby mountain escapes for visitors who want more than shopping.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the Yiwu International Trade City, where you can witness the hustle and bustle of local merchants. Enjoy a traditional Chinese breakfast at a nearby eatery, trying dishes like Jianbing and soy milk. Stroll through the historic streets, absorbing the architecture and local culture.
Head to the Yiwu Museum to delve into the city's rich history and culture, showcasing artifacts that narrate Yiwu's evolution over time. Afterward, visit the Yiwu Small Commodity Market, known as the world's largest, to explore endless aisles of unique products. Treat yourself to a leisurely lunch at a local restaurant, savoring specialties like dumplings and stir-fried noodles.
As the sun sets, take a leisurely walk along the Yiwu River, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the riverside parks. Dine at a popular local seafood restaurant, sampling fresh catches and regional delicacies. Conclude the evening with a visit to a local tea house, where you can relax and savor the nuances of Chinese tea culture.
Dive into the world's largest wholesale market, Yiwu International Trade City, where you can find everything from textiles to electronics. Spend your morning bargaining for unique souvenirs and gifts, experiencing the lively interactions with local vendors. Take breaks to enjoy refreshing drinks from nearby stalls to stay energized.
Continue your shopping spree in the adjacent Yiwu Small Commodity Market, where you can discover even more products at affordable prices. Grab a quick lunch at a local food stall, sampling Yiwu's famous spicy hotpot or grilled skewers. Visit the Yiwu International Expo Center to see exhibitions and trade shows that highlight innovative products.
Explore the vibrant night market, where you can immerse yourself in the local nightlife and sample street food delicacies. Enjoy a dinner of regional dishes at a bustling restaurant, where the flavors and aromas will entice your palate. Conclude your day with a stroll through the illuminated streets, taking in the lively atmosphere.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| ☕Coffee (café) | $2-5 |
| 🚕Taxi 3–5 km | $3-7 |
| 🛏️Mid-range hotel (per night) | $40-80 |
| 🚌Local bus/metro fare | $0.30-1.00 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- World-class wholesale markets for sourcing and bargains
- Affordable food and accommodation compared to big coastal cities
- Good transport links (high-speed rail, local airport) for regional travel
- Convenient city parks and nearby scenic mountain escapes
- Not a traditional tourist hotspot—limited iconic cultural landmarks
- Can be overwhelming for non-business tourists due to market scale
- Language barrier with fewer English speakers outside hotels and major shops
- Summer humidity and crowds during peak trading seasons
- "你好 (Nǐ hǎo)" - Hello
- "谢谢 (Xièxie)" - Thank you
- "多少钱? (Duōshǎo qián?)" - How much does it cost?
- "厕所在哪儿? (Cèsuǒ zài nǎr?)" - Where is the restroom?
- "我不能吃… (Wǒ bù néng chī...)" - I cannot eat...
Places to Visit in Yiwu
Visit one of these nice places.
Photograph the scale and energy of the market—façades, busy entrances and the maze-like interior (ask permission before photographing people up close).
A scenic urban park with a lake, bridges and tree-lined paths—good for sunrise/sunset reflections and local life shots.
Capture older architecture, street vendors and traditional storefronts that contrast with the modern trading halls.
Modern civic architecture, sculptures and plazas offer clean, compositional shots especially in softer midday light.
Food in Yiwu
Yiwu Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Lightly seasoned steamed fish using local freshwater catch; commonly served in small restaurants and family eateries.
Must-Try!
Simple stir-fried vegetable or meat dishes served with hand-pulled or thin noodles—widely available at local diners and food stalls.
A sweet-savory braised pork dish common in the region and found at mid-range restaurants.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Areas near Xiuhu Park and some market streets host stalls selling skewers, dumplings, soups and fried snacks—great for trying a variety of small bites.
Simple restaurants and canteens catering to market traders where you can get hearty, affordable meals between bargain-hunting.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
A simple 你好 (nǐ hǎo) and a smile go a long way. Keep interactions polite and modest—loud public arguments are frowned upon.
Avoid raising your voice or publicly embarrassing someone (losing face). Accept compliments modestly and be courteous when bargaining.
In private homes you may be asked to remove shoes; follow hosts’ cues and keep hands visible when receiving gifts or business cards.
Safety
Tipping in Yiwu
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most everyday situations in China; service charges in hotels or upscale restaurants may be included, and leaving small change for exceptional service is optional.
Mobile payments (WeChat Pay, Alipay) dominate local transactions—even for small vendors—so set up a mobile payment option if you can; international credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger shops but less so at small stalls.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild temperatures and blooming parks make spring a pleasant time to visit; occasional rain means a light waterproof layer is useful.
Hot and humid, especially July–August—expect high temperatures and the busiest market season as buyers travel in; stay hydrated and plan indoor shopping during midday heat.
Cooler, comfortable weather with lower humidity—one of the best times for outdoor strolls and photography.
Chillier months with occasional cold snaps; not severe snow, but bring a warm coat—business continues year-round so markets are still active.
Yiwu at Night
Hiking in Yiwu
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A well-known mountain area with bamboo forests, hiking trails and historic villas—popular for weekend hiking and cooler air; reachable by car or organized tour.
Smaller local trails and park circuits around Yiwu and nearby counties offer short hikes, birdwatching and countryside scenery without long travel.
Scenic mountain range farther afield for a full-day or overnight trip, known for dramatic rock formations and waterfalls—best if you have a car or join a tour.
Airports
How to reach Yiwu by plane.
The local airport with domestic flights to major Chinese cities—convenient for quick access to/from the city.
Major international and domestic hub about 1.5–2 hours by car or coach; offers more flight choices and international connections.
A larger regional airport an extended drive away; useful for some domestic connections depending on your itinerary.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Long-term residents who work in the city’s administration, services and traditional local industries.
A large population of domestic migrants from across China who work in wholesale, logistics and retail—this creates a multicultural domestic mix.
Overseas and foreign-based buyers visit frequently for sourcing and trade, especially during peak market seasons and trade shows.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A popular recreational sport with many local courts and community leagues.
Common indoor leisure sports enjoyed by people of all ages in community centers and clubs.
Parks and suburban roads are commonly used for jogging and cycling, especially in mornings and evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Yiwu.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited at small eateries; specify 素食 (sùshí) and point to vegetables on the menu. Larger restaurants and hotels usually have more choices.
Vegan-specific options are less common—use phrases to explain no dairy, eggs or meat and consider dining at vegetarian restaurants in larger shopping areas or hotels.
Wheat is common in noodles and dumplings. Point out 'no wheat' (不要面食) and opt for rice-based dishes; cross-contamination can be an issue in busy kitchens.